Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have much faith in Steelers without Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not a fan of his former team's prospects for 2025 if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign in free agency.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Roethlisberger made record predictions for the Steelers, both with and without Rodgers.

With Rodgers, Roethlisberger thinks Pittsburgh will go 11-6, which would be good enough to make the playoffs. However, without Rodgers, Roethlisberger predicts a losing season (7-10) for head coach Mike Tomlin and Co.

"It's called three letters: H-O-F," the Steelers legend said of Rodgers. "That's what it'll get you... that'll get you a few more wins."

Roethlisberger specifically mentioned four matchups in which Rodgers could make all the difference, one of which was the Week 3 contest against the New England Patriots.

"I know the Patriots had a really down year. They have Vrabel, new coach," he said. "I think they play for him. Drake May, I do like Drake. I think he's a year improved... I think with Aaron, it's a win. Without, it's a loss."

If Rodgers doesn't sign with the Steelers, chances are the team will turn to Mason Rudolph, who Tomlin has expressed confidence in. Will Howard is another option, but it's doubtful he'll be ready to take the reins in Year 1.

The problem with Rudolph is that he has never proven himself to be an adequate starter in the NFL. Sure, he did have a strong run at the end of 2023, but that's not enough of a sample size to proclaim him a starting-caliber quarterback.

Pittsburgh could opt to bring in veteran competition for Rudolph, with Kirk Cousins as a possibility, but he's no great shakes, either, and certainly not a better option than Rodgers.

Roethlisberger clearly thinks acquiring Rodgers will make or break the Steelers' 2025 campaign, and we couldn't agree with him more.

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